Our Staff

Here at Jessica’s Haven & Rescue, we are really more like family than co-workers. We all share a passion for people and animals, so it’s easy to love who we work with and along-side. Learn more about our JHR family below!

Laura Hislop

Laura Hislop, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Jessica’s Haven and Rescue, is originally from Montgomery, Alabama and is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Her daughter Jessica is the inspiration for creating a Haven for special people and special dogs. Along with the other Laura (her best friend), they welcome anyone who wants to enrich their lives to become a participant and be a supporter of this unique nonprofit. She lives in San Rafael with her husband Mike, and they have three grown children and a rescue dog from Jessica’s Haven she adores named Pandy.

Laura Cottingham

Laura Cottingham, Co-Founder and Program Director of Jessica’s Haven and Rescue, formed a deep love and affection for animals at a very young age. She rescued her first sparrow at 10 years old and brought home many a stray throughout her adolescence. Laura worked as an Oral Surgery Assistant and Office Manager for 17 years until she finally pursued her passion and became the sole proprietor of Bed and Biscuits Doggie Inn and Salon. She started rescuing dogs pretty soon after opening B & B and from there, Laura and her best friend Laura (the mother of Jessica, our inspiration for Jessica’s Haven), created Jessica’s Haven. Laura currently lives in San Rafael with her 4 cats, 3 chihuahuas, along with other dogs and kittens she often fosters. It is her wish to provide a fun and safe environment for our participants and find loving homes for our rescue dogs.